It wasn’t to be for Justin Thomas at The Open this weekend but the American has still found time to sing the praises of the actual winner, Xander Schauffele.
Schauffele produced a stunning final round on Sunday to finish two shots clear of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel.
Schauffele’s second major win of the year came together thanks to a mix of excellent play and resilience in tough conditions around Royal Troon. Indeed, Ryan Lavner lauded Schauffele for his iron play, insisting it was a big plus over the four days.
Of course, for good friend Justin Thomas, it just wasn’t to be.
Thomas had one of the most up and down four days possible and unfortunately, his race was run after the first tee shot in his final round put him out of bounds to the right.
Still, ever the classy operator and always willing to speak good of others, Thomas has took time out to pay tribute to his good friend Schauffele.
Justin Thomas pays tribute to Xander Schauffele after his win at The Open
As we know, things have been tough for Thomas in recent seasons but he remains one of the best around on his day and is a multiple major winner himself.
And over on Instagram, Thomas has posted a message of appreciation towards Schauffele, while also suggesting he very much feels he can again very soon.
Justin Thomas will win another major
While the standard of golf around the world continues to improve and it looks harder and harder each year to win the big ones, Justin Thomas is one of those players you’d expect to do it.
Having won twice already at the PGA, it’s surely only a matter of time before JT finds himself back among the winners.
It’s easy to forget as well that Thomas is still only 31 and in golfing terms, that is no age.
Thomas played well around Royal Troon this weekend and simply fell foul to a few shots costing him in the end.
Positive signs, though, and the American will look at Schauffele and feel he ca get back to that level.
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